U.S. Growth Picture Brightens as Exports Hit Record

Energy Boom Helps Narrow Trade Gap

WASHINGTON—A booming U.S. energy sector and rising overseas demand brightened the nation's trade picture in November, sharply boosting estimates for economic growth in late 2013 and raising hopes for a stronger expansion this year.

U.S. exports rose to their highest level on record in November, a seasonally adjusted $194.86 billion, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. A drop in imports narrowed the trade gap to $34.25 billion, the...